Brief synopsis of the session:Freshwater biodiversity is globally declining at alarming rates (higher than those reported for terrestrial and marine ecosystems). The complex management of these systems in the face of increasing conflicts between growing demand and diminishing resources under the effects of climate change urges scientists, managers and policy-makers to improve our capacity to ensure a more sustainable future and the persistence of freshwater biodiversity. In this session we will talk about new tools that allow us to incorporate objective criteria into conservation and restoration planning to enhance the efficiency of protected areas for freshwater biodiversity through the application of systematic planning approaches. The session is aimed at opening the debate on how we can improve our current conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems.